Allie Nankivell | Delaware Softball

Hometown/Current City: Livingston, NJ
Undergraduate Major: Health Behavior Science
Postgraduate Field of Study: Physical Therapy
 
How has playing sports shaped who you are today?
Playing sports has impacted my life in so many ways. It has taught me to be a great teammate and friend, how to lead, and how to handle adversity. I’ve learned discipline and accountability through early mornings, tough losses, and big wins. Overall, sports has made me more resilient and helped me to develop a strong work ethic that carries over into every that I do, both in school and in life.
 
What career path are you pursuing after college?
After college I plan to pursue my doctorate in physical therapy. As of right now, I hope to eventually work with children with disabilities, helping them improve their quality of life and reach their full potential.
 
Favorite class so far (or toughest)?
One of my favorite, and also one of my toughest, classes I’ve taken so far is biology. I’ve always been interested in science, and find the material really interesting. Biology connects so well to what I want to do in the future and I love learning about it  even though it can be challenging at times.
 
What’s the best advice you ever got from a coach or teammate?
The best advice I have received is to “trust the process.” I first heard it during my recruitment process but it can apply to so many things both inside and outside of softball. I like to think of it as to trust all the hard work that I have put into my skills and to stay patient, knowing that everything happens for a reason.
 
What advice would you share with today’s student-athletes?
 I would tell student-athletes today to just trust themselves and the work that they have put in. It’s easy to doubt yourself at times, but confidence can come from your preparation. As long as you know you’ve put in their best effort, you can trust your decisions within your sport. But this can apply to so many other parts of life.
 
How has being a student-athlete helped you succeed in the classroom?
 Being a student athlete has taught me to prioritize and manage my time effectively, which has been  so incredibly helpful when it comes to academics. With such a busy schedule, I’ve learned how to plan ahead and stay organized. It wasn’t easy at first, especially when I came to campus, but figuring out the best habits that work for me has really helped me succeed in the classroom.
 
What does wearing your jersey mean to you?
Wearing my jersey means everything to me. It represents all the hard work I’ve put in to get to where I am today. I like to think about my younger self and the dream I had of playing college softball. It reminds me to appreciate every moment and to play for something bigger than myself, alongside some of my best friends.